The Exceptional Advisor Podcast

Investments & Wealth Institute
  • 4.5 (15)
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Produced by the Investments & Wealth Institute, the goal of the Exceptional Advisor podcast series is to help financial professionals better serve their clients, differentiate themselves from the competition, and improve their ability to communicate the competencies that make them exceptional.

  1. Episode 2 (Part 2 of 2 Market Update): 2026 Outlook with Liz Ann Sonders

    1D AGO

    Episode 2 (Part 2 of 2 Market Update): 2026 Outlook with Liz Ann Sonders

    In this episode of The Exceptional Advisor, Sean Walters sits down with Liz Ann Sonders, Chief Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab, for a timely conversation on navigating markets defined by uncertainty, shifting economic signals, and relentless headlines.   Liz Ann shares her current outlook on the economy, where she sees resilience beneath the volatility, and how advisors can separate meaningful data from short-term noise. The discussion moves beyond forecasts to focus on discipline — how to communicate with clients during uneven cycles, manage expectations, and reinforce long-term strategy when sentiment swings.   For advisors leading teams or building credibility within them, this conversation offers a practical perspective on aligning messaging, maintaining consistency, and guiding clients with clarity in complex environments.

    38 min
  2. Episode 1 (Part 1 of 2 Market Update): 2026 Outlook with Liz Thomas (SoFi)

    FEB 4

    Episode 1 (Part 1 of 2 Market Update): 2026 Outlook with Liz Thomas (SoFi)

    What's ahead for advisors in 2026, and how should they prepare? Host Sean Walters welcomes Liz Thomas, Head of Investment Strategy at SoFi, for a market update focused on the 2026 macro outlook. From balancing concentration risk and client FOMO to keeping clients calm, Liz covers plenty of ground, giving advisors a strong framework for smarter allocation decisions and stronger client conversations.

    40 min
  3. Opportunities and Obstacles for a Successful Retirement

    03/31/2025

    Opportunities and Obstacles for a Successful Retirement

    A Discussion with François Gadenne, Jan Gundersen, CFA®, and Lori Lucas, CFA®, moderated by Robert Powell, CFP®, RMA®

    55 min
  4. Unlocking Exceptional Performance: John Bowen on Building Dream Teams for Financial Advisors

    09/19/2024

    Unlocking Exceptional Performance: John Bowen on Building Dream Teams for Financial Advisors

    In this exclusive interview, John Bowen, President of CEG Worldwide and CEG Insight, shares powerful research insights and practical strategies to help financial advisors create high-performing teams and accelerate their success. The Dream Team Effect: www.cegwin.com/iwi-team #certifiedfinancialplanner #financialadvisor #continuingeducation

    41 min
  5. The Retirement Wake-Up Call is Here

    04/11/2024

    The Retirement Wake-Up Call is Here

    Steve Gresham, managing principal at Next Chapter, discusses in this Exceptional Advisor podcast with host Robert Powell delves into the complexities and challenges of retirement planning in the modern era. Gresham discusses the evolving nature of retirement, emphasizing the gap between people's expectations and their level of preparation. He highlights the importance of planning and adapting to changing needs, both financially and emotionally. The conversation also touches on the role of financial advisors in guiding clients through these challenges, stressing the need for improved communication, understanding of aging, and comprehensive approaches to managing retirement finances and health considerations. Learn more at https://publications.investmentsandwealth.org/iwmonitor/library/item/november_december_2023/4161432/

    53 min
  6. DALBAR's Lou Harvey Reflects on Pioneering Investor Behavior Research and the Evolution of Financial Advice

    03/01/2024

    DALBAR's Lou Harvey Reflects on Pioneering Investor Behavior Research and the Evolution of Financial Advice

    In this podcast, Dalbar founder Lou Harvey discusses the history of his firm, which pioneered research into quantifying the impact of investor behavior on returns. He reflects on key initiatives like the Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior (QAIB) report, which revealed the significant performance gap between mutual fund investors and the funds they invest in. Harvey also shares his perspective on current industry trends and the future outlook. He sees artificial intelligence playing a bigger role in financial advice, with humans focused more on interpreting AI recommendations versus specialized expertise. Harvey argues asset allocation should be highly personalized based on an investor's specific situation and needs. He advocates for a fiduciary standard across the advice industry. Throughout, Harvey emphasizes the importance of a personal approach in understanding clients and serving their best interests. He urges advisors to go beyond purely investment considerations to incorporate critical lifestyle factors impacting financial decisions.

    49 min
  7. Retirement Trends and Challenges

    02/08/2024

    Retirement Trends and Challenges

    differentiate your retirement advising practice with elevated and specialized capabilities. Explore the RMA® Certification: https://iwicentral.org/3STsNId   In this roundtable discussion, experts Anna Rappaport, Rob Austin, and Michael Doshier provide insights on key retirement issues including spending patterns, debt levels, housing costs, family support, and using products like annuities and reverse mortgages.   Key takeaways: - Retiree spending declines on average 2% per year, but is often "lumpy" with large one-time expenses - Housing represents the biggest expense for retirees, but many fail to incorporate home equity into financial plans - More retirees carry debt and support adult children financially than in the past - Annuities and reverse mortgages remain underutilized due to complexity, lack of advisor expertise     The experts emphasize the need for holistic planning that accounts for healthcare, housing, family obligations, and other qualitative factors - not just portfolio returns. They advise financial advisors to take an expansive view when working with retiree clients.

    51 min
  8. Transforming Wealth Management with Technology

    12/07/2023

    Transforming Wealth Management with Technology

    Rashmi Badwe, COO of TIAA Wealth Management, discusses how technology like AI can enhance client service and the convergence of capabilities across financial domains.

    26 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
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15 Ratings

About

Produced by the Investments & Wealth Institute, the goal of the Exceptional Advisor podcast series is to help financial professionals better serve their clients, differentiate themselves from the competition, and improve their ability to communicate the competencies that make them exceptional.

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